Rain fails to dampen memories of veterans

Hall looked up into the drizzle Monday afternoon and let out a slight grin.

"This is so fitting," he said. "Can you believe that the last time I saw my uncle, it was raining just like this?"

Hall zigzagged alone through the headstones and tributary garlands before stopping at the one that belonged to his uncle  one of the almost 48,000 American soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. Hall then placed a bouquet of flowers at the headstone.

Stefan Hays, 7, of Lubbock jumps in the air on the slide at the "Red, White and Blue, We Honor You" celebration Monday at the South Plains Mall. About 3,000 people attended the second annual celebration.

A-J photo/Rebecca Breyer

Hall said he last saw Nick Berry on a cloudy day in 1971, the day before Berry departed for the war-torn country. A few months later, Hall and his family received the news of Berry's death. Hall was only 5.

"It was really sad around the house," Hall recalled. "You never want something like this to happen to your family. But you have to understand what he was there for."

Hall, now 37, says he visits the site regularly and finds solace in it.

"I think soldiers are the bravest people," he said. "They risk their lives. We have soldiers that are doing it right now. And sometimes they, like my uncle, make the ultimate sacrifice. But their bravery ensures that we get to stand here."

Hall said the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 are painful reminders that freedom is something worth fighting for.

"We live in the best country in the world," he said. "I hope people are enjoying it."

Some people were.

At Buffalo Springs Lake, locals and vacationers took advantage of the Memorial Day holiday to relax and enjoy the slew of activities offered at the spot five miles east of Lubbock.

While a brief rain fell, lake-goers were hardly deterred.

"It rained a little," Mike Munoz said. "But it's no biggie. We're here to have a good time. We won't leave unless a tornado hits."

Munoz fended off the rain by setting up a makeshift tent to prevent the quashing of his grill, which was busy searing up a day's worth of Munoz's catch.

The 225-acre lake is home to various fish, including largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. And while fishing was one of the hot commodities, others took part in swimming, boating or just relaxing.

But the meaning of the day still remained steadfast.

"It's all fun here," Marion Whithurst said from his power boat. "But we have to remember to pay tribute to the guys who have died to allow us to enjoy this recreation."